Volunteer in Peru - Cusco

Peru, also known as the 'The Land of the Incas', is one of the most popular volunteering destinations across the world. As a volunteer in Peru, you'll get an incredible opportunity to spend quality time with locals, gaining insight into their lives and also learning about their history, culture, cuisine, festivals, and more.

For decades, Peru has been a destination that's on every traveler's bucketlist, and now, you can choose from a wide range of affordable volunteer abroad programs including Teaching English, Kindergarten, Childcare, Disabled Care Program, etc, and make a difference while traveling.  All volunteering opportunities in Peru are available in and around the historic city of Cusco.

If you’re still wondering how to volunteer in Peru, start by choosing a program. As mentioned above, Volunteering Solutions has a wide range of opportunities, and you can choose the one that aligns with your interests and preferences.

Those who love to spend time with children can opt for the Childcare or Teaching Volunteer Program in Peru and spread the light of education. As a developing nation, there are several pockets of underprivileged communities living in and around Cusco, and these mission trips in Peru aim to provide basic support and motivation to the children so that they can dream of a brighter future.

No prior teaching experience or TEFL certification is needed to be a volunteer teacher in Peru - thus, they are perfect for university and college students as well as for gap year travelers.

For dental students and medical as well as pre-med students, the Dental Elective Internship and Medical Volunteering in Peru are also available, which would give you a first-hand learning opportunity while working with professionals, in a clinic or hospital.

If you have a time crunch and wish to travel and volunteer in Peru for just 1 or 2 weeks, then we also have a specially curated short-term volunteering program.

No matter which program you choose to be a part of, it’ll be an incredibly meaningful experience to volunteer abroad, work alongside professionals, and meet like-minded travelers. All you need to do is, pick a program of your choice and decide how much time you'd want to spend, and then, simply apply for it or get in touch with the Volunteering Solutions Team.

Volunteering Solutions offers a diverse range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. Over the past 17 years, we have placed more than 21,000 international volunteers in various projects and internships, helping them grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact globally. We have hosted teen volunteer groups, gap year travelers, youth volunteers, and family volunteering groups across various locations.

As a developing South American nation, the underprivileged communities in Peru require support - especially in education and healthcare, and thus, Volunteering Solutions, in association with local Peruvian NGOs, is trying to make a difference. 

We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. 

We have a trusted country coordinator in Peru, who will be available 24/7 and assist you whenever you need any help. Since most Peruvians are Spanish speakers, our coordinator will make sure that you don’t have any problem while communicating at the project site.

Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:

• Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
• Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
• Weekend excursions and hikes around Machu Picchu in Peru
• Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost

Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore Peru most uniquely.

As mentioned earlier, all volunteering programs in Peru are located in and around the city of Cusco, known to be the gateway to the legendary lost city of Machu Picchu, hidden in the Andean mountains.

As a volunteer in Cusco, you'll work with Andean communities, providing medical care or helping children in daycare centers and kindergartens. And if you love breathtaking landscapes, gorgeous hiking trails, delectable food, and the warmth of locals, then Cusco will be a real treat for you.

There are eight different programs available in Peru, which are as follows:

• 1 Week Short-Term Volunteer Program in Peru
• 2 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in Peru
• Volunteering at a Daycare Center in Peru
• Teaching Volunteer Program in Peru
• Teaching Assistant Volunteer at Kindergartens in Peru
• Volunteering at the Disabled Care Center in Peru
• Medical Volunteering Program in Peru
• Dental Elective Internship in Peru

Each of these programs is curated in a way so that both the giver and the receiver are equally benefitted, creating a Win-Win situation. Programs are available for a minimum duration of 1 week to a maximum of 6 months, and it’ll be a great learning journey for you.

To become a volunteer in Peru, you need to be:

- At least 17 years or older at the time of joining the project.

- Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

- Should also be proactive and can take the initiative.

- Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.

Medical volunteers should be at least 18 years old and must be enrolled in medical studies (pre-med, nursing, medical) to join. The dental internship opportunity is for students pursuing dental studies/dentistry.

Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. 

The minimum cost to volunteer for a week in Peru is as low as 495 USD. This cost would include the following:

• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• Airport pickup from San Jose International Airport and transfer to accommodation
• Program Orientation on Day 1
• Accommodation in a volunteer house or with a host family and two meals every day
• Travel and medical insurance (available at an extra cost)
• 24-hour assistance and support from staff
• Certificate of Completion 

Well, just think - is there anything for free in this whole wide world? Guess not!

Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in Peru comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, a 'Welcome Pack' with the information guide, a free SIM card, maps, etc. Other than that, you'll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24*7 in-country support.

However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of traveling abroad to make a difference.

Although Spanish is the official language of Peru, apart from the Aymara and Quechua languages, you can still volunteer without speaking it (of course, knowing Spanish will be an added advantage, but that isn't all). However, to join the medical volunteering and dental internship programs, it is essential to know intermediary-level Spanish.

As tourism is flourishing in the country, English is now spoken widely in most places and the locals in Peru are extremely warm and friendly - so they often try and communicate in English. However, once you plan to volunteer in Peru, we would suggest you to take up a Spanish language course for one week, that'll make it easier for you to build connections with the community as an international volunteer.

Learning a new language will also boost your CV/Resume and help you in your career ahead.

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Mexico and the UK as well as Schengen countries do not need a tourist visa to enter Peru if they have a valid passport and are staying for no more than 180 days within a one-year period.

Chinese and Indian nationals may enter Peru without a visa if they have a UK, Canada, Australia, Schengen or US visa valid for a minimum of 6 months at the moment of entry to Peru.

You can get more Visa-related information from our Program Advisor, once you apply for your chosen project. To know more about the Visa rules and regulations, check out the Official Embassy Website, here.

April to September is the best time to travel and volunteer in Cusco, Peru. It’s the dry season, and perfect for trekking around Machu Pichhu, as well as Sacred Valley.

However, volunteering programs are available throughout the year and you can choose the time and duration that suits you best.

Anyone who is compassionate to contribute towards a meaningful change, and enthusiastic enough to travel abroad on a mission trip and work for others, can volunteer in Peru.

Our programs are available for everyone - high school and college students, gap year travelers, people on a career break, group volunteers, family volunteers, solo travelers, and couples who wish to travel meaningfully and explore this breathtaking country, know about its history and culture and contribute towards change.

You can easily apply to volunteer in Peru and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.

You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.

If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at [email protected] - and our Program Advisors will assist you.

Here's a basic packing list for Peru that you can keep handy while preparing for your volunteer trip:

• Comfortable clothes, slippers, a light jacket, and a raincoat (the weather can be unpredictable!)
• Flashlight, and good walking/hiking shoes (because we know you won't miss a hike to Machu Pichhu)
• First-aid kit, insect repellent, basic medicines

If you're volunteering for the teaching or day care program, you can bring colors, notebooks, story books, games, etc for the kids.

If you are a medical volunteer or dental intern, then you must carry your lab coat, stethoscope and other necessary tools.

Other than that, make sure that all your documents are in place.

Yes, of course. If you have just one week in hand, then you can be a part of the Teaching, Disable Care or Day Care Programs as well as the specially curated 1 week short term volunteer program, meant for those who are super-enthusiastic to make a difference.

Other than that, we also have a 2-Week Special Short-Term Volunteering Program, which is a perfect blend of travel and volunteering. It is apt for experiential learning for students, as well as an enriching experience for backpackers and gap year travelers eager to make a positive impact while exploring Peru.

Healthcare and medical volunteer program as well as the dental internship program are also available for one week, and can be curated for group volunteering as well.

Definitely, we offer long-term volunteering opportunities in Peru. We believe the more time you spend at a project site, the bigger impact you can make. You can volunteer in Peru for 6 months (24 weeks) and in case you wish to stay for longer, you can directly speak to our Program Advisors.

Of course, when you are traveling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience, making the most of your journey. 

We know that the first thing that comes to our mind when we think of Peru is Machu Picchu, but the country has a lot more than just the ruins of the ancient Inca civilization. With diverse landscapes, rich history and archeological sites – Peru has so much to offer to its visitors that one can easily fall short of time.

As a volunteer in Peru, you’ll be most working from Monday to Friday, and have time to travel over the weekends. You can go for the Inca Trail hike and explore the Sacred Valley. Other than that, you can also hike up the Rainbow Mountains, or just wander around the quaint villages of Peru, meeting the locals and savoring delicious Peruvian cuisine.

There are too many things to do in Peru and if you you have a bucketlist already, share it with us and we’ll try to make things happen for you! So, once you decide to volunteer in Peru or take a gap year abroad, you can connect with our Program Advisors and they’ll assist you to plan the trip. You can also ask our country coordinator once you’re at your program location, and he can suggest more fun things to do.